US Mission Cancels Visa Appointments, Suspends Consulate Operations in Peshawar

Bangla Press Desk: The US mission in Pakistan has suspended operations at its consulate general in Peshawar and cancelled visa and consular appointments in Karachi and Lahore amid ongoing disruptions.

The US mission said the consulate general in Peshawar temporarily halted operations effective on 2 March. The US embassy in Islamabad will provide all routine and emergency consular services for American citizens during the suspension.Authorities also cancelled all US visa and American Citizen Services appointments scheduled for Tuesday, 3 March, at the consulates general in Karachi and Lahore due to continued disruptions and traffic diversions in the surrounding areas. The embassy in Islamabad will resume normal consular operations on 3 March.The embassy and the consulates general in Karachi and Lahore have restricted movements of US government personnel across Pakistan, the mission said.

The mission urged US citizens in Pakistan to monitor local news and practise heightened personal security. It advised them to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid large crowds and keep their Smart Traveller Enrollment Programme registrations up to date.

The mission also asked US citizens to avoid large public gatherings, review their personal security plans, keep a low profile, carry identification and cooperate with police. It told applicants to check email and local media for further updates on consular appointments.Source: daily Sun

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